Chemistry - Complete s-block Question with Solution | TestHub
Which of the following is used for making windows of x-ray tubes?
Options:
Answer:
Solution:
Beryllium (Be) is used for making windows of X-ray tubes because of its low atomic number, which makes it highly transparent to X-rays, and its high melting point and strength, which allow it to withstand the operating conditions.
Explanation:
X-ray tube windows must be highly transparent to X-rays to allow them to exit the tube with minimal absorption. Beryllium (Be) is ideal for this purpose due to its very low atomic number (Z=4) and low density, which result in minimal X-ray absorption. Additionally, beryllium possesses high thermal conductivity and a high melting point, enabling it to dissipate heat and maintain structural integrity under the high temperatures generated during X-ray production. Other elements like Barium (Ba), Cesium (Cs), and Potassium (K) have higher atomic numbers and would absorb X-rays significantly, making them unsuitable.
